News update DBS takes 'pro-active' steps

By Hoe Pei Shan
DBS Bank said it it took 'pro-active measures' to minimise disruption to customers 'who needed cash urgently' while its banking systems were down on Monday morning due to technical glitches.

All its online banking services ground to a halt at its branches, and its island-wide ATMs - for both DBS and POSBank transactions - also crashed, sparking much anger and frustration among users who could not withdraw money in a jiffy.

Responding to queries from The Straits Times, a DBS spokesman said the bank honoured all cash cheques of $500 and below and also allowed urgent over-the- counter cash withdrawals. Additional staff were also sent to various branches. The bank also increased staffing levels at its call centre to handle customer queries.

'Banking services for DBS and POSB in Singapore were temporarily affected early this morning due to technical difficulties,' said a statement from DBS.

'As of 10am, all DBS/POSB ATMs and branch services have been restored. Customers are assured that all funds are safe and the Bank is working to restore all other services as soon as possible'.

Scores of frustrated and irate DBS and POSB customers took to the social media to vent their anger, some complaining that they visited as many as five different ATMs but were left cashless and unable to top up their cash cards to pay for ERP.

If you have been affected or have more details and photographs of others affected by the breakdown, send them to stonline@sph.com.sg